ForeverMissed
Large image
His Life
April 15, 2012

Bradley Nolan Shilling was born on May 2, 1984 in Flint Michigan. He was a very care free and active young boy. He played Rocket Football, wrestled and softball.  His love for the outdoors would fill his young years with hunting and fishing. Growing up in Northern Michigan Brad was either four wheeling or snowmobiling, which were some of his favorite past times.

Brad loved to be the life of a party and had a mischievous smile that you could recognize anywhere.  He loved spending time with family and friends.  Singing karaoke and hanging with good friends. He would be right there if you needed him for anything.  The attacks in New York took place Sept 11. 2001, Brad decided he was going to join the military.

He was just a junior in high school at that time so he needed signatures from his parents. That summer he attended basic training at Fort Knox KY. After graduating in 2003 from Reed City High School his career in the Army National Guard began.  He was assigned to E Company First Battalion, 125 th Infantry out of Big Rapids, Michigan. They were known as the *HOOLIGANS*.  He was in the guard for 3 years before they got there call to be shipped and stationed in Baghdad Iraq. Memorial Day 2006 E Co left for Fort Dix to train for their Iraqi tour.

That July Brad got to come home for a quick 3 day leave where Brad, his wife DJ and daughter AbbieRose welcomed a new member to their family. Jordon Edward was the new bundle of joy. Just 3 days after Jordon’s birth, Brad went back to continue training.

August came and the group was shipped to Iraq.  Just 3 months into his tour on a routine mission Brad’s Humvee that he was driving was targeted and he was hit by an IED.  That November 18th, 2006 will be the saddest day I have ever imagined.  He was supposed to have been home but had traded with another solider so they could be home for a special event.  He thought it would have been better to be home for his 1st Anniversary with his wife on the 2nd of December. But instead of celebrating an anniversary we were gathered together remembering a young man, solider, father, son, brother, grandson and cousin. Just 22 yrs. of life wasn’t enough. It was too short and he didn’t get to see his children grow. 

He was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, Distinguished Service Award, The Bronze Star and the Purple Heart.  Survived by his wife Dorothy (DJ) Shilling daughter AbbieRose and son Jordon Shilling. Father Brian (Alison) Shilling. Mother Kim Donahue. Grandparents Gary and Joanne Shilling, Kirby and Shirley Knight and William and Bette Carrothers.